Chapter 357: Chapter 173.2

Chapter 173.2. Washizu’s Miscalculation

-???’s POV-

[…It will cost quite a bit of money, you know?]

[And it’s uncertain whether they will gather. Because Takano County engaged in transportation, they probably have the confidence to assemble within a few days, don’t you think?]

“I know that! But if we all work together, we can manage, right!? I’m telling you to rely on the boss, not you small fries pretending to be fixers!”

Yelling at the negative men on the monitor, he was more emotionally charged than usual, clearly showing his anxiety.

“You guys are small fries! Whether you’re baron or knight-class, it doesn’t matter. I can see through your pretentious acting!”

[Th-That’s…]

Pointing his index finger and ridiculing the men on the monitor, he caused them to stammer and become flustered.

They were just intermediaries. They hired men who were in financial trouble, like those trying to take over the main family like Yoshitala, or those who sought to profit from escalating conflicts, like lower-ranking nobles facing decline.

People employed these men with money. They’re going through multiple dummies to conceal their real identities.

If people followed the trail, it would lead to someone who gave instructions through letters or verbally. Nobody knew who was behind it all.

Those who truly held power only subtly conveyed their intentions to people like Yoshitaka. It was frustrating, but they didn’t show themselves openly to meet someone like Yoshitaka.

“Now, hurry up and contact them! If you don’t, Washizu will crumble. When I take over the main family. I’ll make the transportation standards looser. Let them know that anyone who can be useful might betray them! If you don’t, you guys who serve as intermediaries for me will be in the same boat. You’re bound to get abandoned.”

[U-Understood. I’ll inform them right away.]

Nodding in response to Yoshitaka’s words, the men hastily ended the communication.

“Hah! You damn hypocritical scumbags with your plated covers. If you’re going to expose yourselves so easily, don’t act like big shots.”

He took a deep breath and calmed himself, cracking his neck.

“Calm down… calm down… It’s the New Year’s party from now on.”

He reminded himself that it was his own New Year’s party that would take place in the afternoon. He had to maintain a composed attitude in front of others.

The rumors about the warehouse district must have spread by now. If his comrades saw him in a state of agitation, it would cast a shadow on his power. Takano County had been rapidly expanding its influence since the beginning of the year, and even with a tightly-knit group of allies, there was a high possibility of them turning their backs.

He called a maid and changed into a kimono, lightly slapping his cheeks.

“Oh, this doesn’t suit me. It’s a chance to move up from a viscount to a count. And not just any random count, but the head of 36 noble families.”

Over the past few years, he had spent money, persuaded, threatened, and quietly undermined troublesome individuals. And now, he was almost ready to denounce the foolish Arashi. He had been smiling smugly, knowing he would become the head of the main family in a few years.

“There’s a big difference between a count and a viscount… They’ll treat me as a high-ranking noble.”

He headed towards the spacious hall where he held the New Year’s party. The servants lowered their heads as he passed them. But he noticed something was off.

He had rejected Yoshiyuki’s proposal and decided to hold the New Year’s party himself. It was easy to predict that there would be few attendees due to the anticipated sabotage. W

With a bitter feeling, he opened the sliding doors leading to the hall.

“Hey, sorry to keep you waiting. Am I late?”

With a deliberate and slow tone, he entered the hall. It was a wide banquet room with tatami mats covering the floor. Each person had a tray in front of them, and the guests were seated.

However, his steps momentarily halted, and his mouth twitched at the sight before him.

“Captain, Happy New Year.”

“A-Ah, yeah, Happy New Year.”

Seated in the main seat, he nodded to those around me, but there were far fewer attendees than expected.

Only about 30% of the invitees were present.

The attendees were all people who relied on Washitsu Shipping, my trusted comrades of the sea. Having sailed together through dangerous voyages where monsters appeared, they would not betray me, and it was only natural for them to be here.

However, the branch families of Takano County and other nobles were nowhere to be seen.

In the empty hall, he couldn’t help but feel that his influence was being diminished.

Last year, there were quite a few attendees. He laughed heartily, knowing that the seat of the head was within reach when everyone simultaneously bowed their heads.

“Yoshitaka-sama, I look forward to your continued support this year.”

“Ah, likewise. Thank you.”

I nodded gracefully and was offered a sake pitcher, pouring it into a small cup. Everyone wore somber expressions. They exchanged glances, silently wondering if it was okay to ask questions.

“I know what you want to ask. Don’t worry. I have a way to replenish the lost cargo.”

“Oh? That’s reassuring, then.”

“Indeed, indeed. As expected of Yoshitaka-sama.”

“Washizu Shipping is secure, isn’t it?”

Although they had expressions that didn’t truly reflect relief.

His comrades still forced a smile. Yoshitaka inwardly clicked his tongue, noticing a small folded piece of paper placed beside his chopsticks as he attempted to eat the dish in front of him.

“What is this?”

Curiosity piqued, Yoshitaka unfolded the paper and read its contents.

The content is simple yet impossible to overlook.

Trembling, his expression shifted to one of anger.

“Yoshitaka-sama?”

Realizing that the atmosphere had changed, Yoshitaka’s comrades called out to him. But he ignored their words and stood up.

“Enjoy the New Year’s party, everyone! I’ve just had an urgent matter come up.”

He stood up and left the hall with heavy footsteps.

“Tsk… They’ve hit a sore spot…”

The contents of the paper were straightforward.

[Takano Miu speaking. I order you as the main family’s head. Attend the New Year’s party. If you don’t come, I will cease using Washizu Shipping for transportation.]

I couldn’t ignore or remain silent about such a direct demand.